Definition

The liver is located in the right side of the abdomen. It stores and metabolizes nutrients, and filters and stores blood. Liver cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the liver.

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors. They can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Causes

The cause of liver cancer is not known. Research shows that certain risk factors are associated with the disease.

Treatment

Once liver cancer is found, staging tests are done. This will help find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent. Surgery is the only curative procedure in liver cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can reduce symptoms associated with the cancer. They are not considered curative by themselves.

Surgery—removal of the cancerous tumor and nearby tissue, and possibly nearby lymph nodes

Radiation therapy—the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be:

External radiation therapy—Radiation is directed at the liver from a source outside the body.

Internal radiation therapy—This form places the radiation source as close as possible to the cancer cells. Radiation seeds or compounds are delivered directly to the tumor through a special catheter that is placed in hepatic artery, the vessel that delivers blood to the liver.

Radiofrequency ablation—This involves using heat to destroy the tumor. Imaging machines are used to help the doctor guide the probe to the tumor site.

Chemotherapy—drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body to kill mostly cancer cells and some healthy cells; may be given by pill, injection, and via a catheter directly into the liver

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.